Ogdensburg officer appears in court on harassment charge

CANTON  An Ogdensburg police officer facing a harassment charge in the village of Canton unsuccessfully petitioned a town judge Wednesday to lift an order of protection against him, claiming it affects his job.

Corey J. Maxner, 26, Canton, pleaded not guilty before Town Justice Christopher J. Curley to allegations that he kicked and banged a strangers front door in the village one Saturday night this month. He was issued a criminal summons citing second-degree harassment.

Mr. Maxner told the justice he had not yet retained his own attorney, and St. Lawrence County Assistant Public Defender Steven G. Ballan spoke for him during Wednesdays brief appearance.

Mr. Ballan raised two issues on Mr. Maxners behalf. First, he said the charge alleges harassment for a course of conduct, when in fact the allegations pertain to a single incident.

As well, Mr. Ballan argued that a temporary order of protection in favor of alleged victim Patricia Robert-Aldous affects his ability to work.

The justice told Mr. Ballan and Mr. Maxner that the next available court date would be June 19, but that it may be possible for him to hear motions in the case at an earlier special session, including with respect to the order of protection. He advised Mr. Maxner to hire his own attorney as soon as possible if he wished to make such a motion.

According to court records, about 9:15 p.m. May 11, Mr. Maxner began to repeatedly kick the front door at 16 Nickerson St., and motioned to Ms. Robert-Aldous to come outside.

Ms. Robert-Aldous told police she does not know Mr. Maxner.

I have never met him before in my life, she said Wednesday.

Ms. Robert-Aldous said she was watching television on her couch that night when she heard pounding and a crash at the front door. At the window was a man she later identified as Mr. Maxner, wearing an orange T-shirt imprinted with Corey.

You can see his shoe marks are still there, she said, pointing to black footprints on the door.

Ms. Robert-Aldous said Mr. Maxner motioned repeatedly for her to come outside, while another man in a similar orange shirt stood nearby, urinating.

I told him to go on, that there was nothing for him here, she said.

Mr. Maxner eventually gave up and went away, Ms. Robert-Aldous and police said. He was located by officers a short time later on Miner Street.

Interim Canton Police Chief Victor N. Rycroft said Monday that Mr. Maxner was highly intoxicated at the time of the incident, although no blood alcohol test was performed.

Ogdensburg Police Chief Richard J. Polniak Jr. said Monday that Mr. Maxner, who joined the force in January 2011, initially was placed on administrative leave for three days and then returned to work. He said no disciplinary action would be taken until the case is resolved, stressing that the charge remains an allegation.

Mr. Polniak on Wednesday did not immediately respond to a voice mail and an email asking whether and how an order of protection would affect Mr. Maxners job.

Commenting rules:

Stick to the topic of the article/letter/editorial.

When responding to issues raised by other commenters, do not engage in personal attacks or name-calling.

Comments that include profanity/obscenities or are libelous in nature will be removed without warning.

Violators' commenting privileges may be revoked indefinitely. By commenting you agree to our full Terms of Use.